Closest Airport to Gatlinburg TN – The Best Airport Options
Getting ready for a trip to Gatlinburg, TN and curious about which airport will make your arrival as smooth as Tennessee whiskey? We got ya! Let’s chat about the easiest airports for touching down near this lovely entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
McGhee Tyson Airport Overview
Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is your go-to spot if you’re heading to Gatlinburg, clocking in at just 40 miles away. It’s a top pick for commuters with major airlines like Delta, United, American, and Allegiant keeping it busy. Plenty of flights to choose from! (National Park)
Things to Know:
- Where It Is: 2055 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701
- How Far to Gatlinburg: 40 miles
- Big Flyers: Delta, United, American, Allegiant
- Fly-In Time to Gatlinburg: ~1 hour 10 minutes (SB Getaways)
McGhee Tyson doesn’t just stop at flights—it’s got rental cars too, making your jaunt to Gatlinburg hassle-free. Check out ground transportation from McGhee Tyson for a deeper dive into getting around.
Other Nearby Airport Choices
Sure, McGhee Tyson’s the closest, but don’t count these other airports out. Depending on your agenda, they might just be the ticket.
| Airport Name | Place | Distance to Gatlinburg | Airlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville Regional Airport | Asheville, NC | 82 miles | Delta, United, American, Allegiant, JetBlue, Sun Country | Handy for Eastern commuters |
| Tri-Cities Airport | Blountville, TN | 100 miles | Allegiant, Delta, American | Small place, fewer flights |
| Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport | Greer, SC | 153 miles | Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United | Further, but loads of flights |
| Nashville International Airport | Nashville, TN | 178 miles | All top US airlines | Big hub, often cheaper (National Park) |
- Asheville Regional Airport: In North Carolina, about 82 miles out with a car drive of 1 hour and 40 minutes (SB Getaways).
- Tri-Cities Airport: This spot in Blountville, TN, is 100 miles away. Smaller airport, limited flights.
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport: 153 miles, a touch more distant but lots of airlines and schedule options.
- Nashville International Airport: Farthest at 178 miles, Nashville’s a major hub with potentially better deals than smaller airports (National Park).
Pick from these airport options based on flights, distance, and your vibe. Each has its perks—some are close, some offer more flights, and some might be easier on your wallet. For travel advice that won’t empty your pockets, check our cost-effective travel tips.
We hope our rundown helps make your trip to Gatlinburg smooth and fun. Looking for more airport know-how? Check out our pieces on the closest airport to redwood national park and the closest airport to lake tahoe.
Check your flight options at great rates at Expedia by clicking here
Transportation Options
When flying into the nearest airport to Gatlinburg, TN, you’re greeted with a smorgasbord of transportation setups to make your trip a breeze. Let’s dish out the goodies of ground transportation, rental rides, shuttles, and the ever-handy ride-sharing straight from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport.
Ground Transportation from McGhee Tyson
Touching down at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, TN? No worries! They’ve got a spread of ground transportation choices lined up for your jaunt to Gatlinburg. From the fast and fancy rental cars to taxis, ride-shares, and shuttle runs, there’s something for every wallet size and travel style.
| Transport Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Rental Cars | Grab your keys from big names like Hertz, Enterprise |
| Taxis | Hanging out right outside the terminal |
| Ride-Sharing | Uber and Lyft are on standby |
| Shuttle Services | Set schedules to whisk you off to Gatlinburg and its cozy neighborhood |
Rental Cars and Shuttle Services
If you’re all about cruising at your own rhythm through the Great Smoky Mountains or lazing in Gatlinburg, a rental car is your ticket to freedom. At McGhee Tyson Airport, you can hitch a ride from Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, and Budget, all conveniently parked near the baggage claim (one less thing to haul, am I right?).
On the flip side, if behind-the-wheel action isn’t your thing, shuttles have got you covered. These services run folks between the airport and Gatlinburg, ensuring a smooth, comfy ride. Some Gatlinburg digs might even throw in free shuttle rides for their lodgers. Now, that’s what we call riding in style!
| Car Rental Company | Contact |
|---|---|
| Hertz | (865) 342-3232 |
| Enterprise | (865) 342-1650 |
| Alamo | (865) 342-3220 |
| Budget | (865) 342-3225 |
Also Read Closest Airport to Redwood Forest: Best Travel Guide for 2024
Ride-Sharing Services
For those craving flexibility and ease, ride-sharing with Uber and Lyft at McGhee Tyson Airport is a no-brainer. Just flick open the app, and in a jiffy, you’ll have a car type catered to your crew, whether you’re flying solo or it’s a whole gang affair. It’s affordable, quick, and brings you right up to your cabin door with that little added personal touch.
With so many options at your fingertips, planning the hop from McGhee Tyson Airport to Gatlinburg couldn’t be simpler, setting the mood for your Great Smoky Mountains adventure. Curious about other travel hubs? Take a peek at our other reads on nearby national parks’ airports, like the closest airport to Redwood National Park and the closest airport to Lake Tahoe.
Airlines Serving Gatlinburg
Thinking about a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Chances are you’ll be landing at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville. This spot is just a hop, skip, and jump—around 43 miles—away from Gatlinburg, making it the handiest airport in these parts. Check it out here!.
Major Airlines at McGhee Tyson
McGhee Tyson has a smorgasbord of major airlines giving travelers a buffet of choices. With a roster of flights jetting off to big-hitter cities across the US, your travel plans can be as flexible as a yogi doing the splits.
| Airline | Where It Flies |
|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Detroit, NYC |
| American Airlines | Charlotte, Philly, Dallas |
| United Airlines | Chicago, D.C., Houston |
| Allegiant Air | Orlando, Vegas, Tampa |
| Frontier Airlines | Denver, Orlando, Vegas |
(Cheers to Our Adventure Is Everywhere for the inside scoop.)
Flying Delta, American, or United? These guys have handy hookups to a bunch of destinations, making trip planning a breeze. Plus, Allegiant and Frontier are the darlings of budget-savvy flyers with their wallet-friendly fares.
Connection Options
At McGhee Tyson, the possibilities for connecting flights are as abundant as stars in a Tennessee night sky. You’ll find direct jets swooping in from major hubs coast to coast for a no-sweat travel vibe.
| Starting Point | Airline | Flight Time-ish |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | Delta Air Lines | 1 hour-ish |
| Charlotte | American Airlines | 1 hour on the nose |
| Chicago | United Airlines | 2 hours-ish |
| Orlando | Allegiant Air | 2 hours-ish |
| Denver | Frontier Airlines | 3 hours-ish |
Info creds go to Tripadvisor and National Park.
Whether you’re riding in from places like Atlanta, Charlotte, or Chicago, McGhee Tyson handles connections like a pro, easing your way into the picturesque embrace of Gatlinburg.
Wandering about other sweet places? We’ve penned tales on the closest airport to Glacier National Park and already mapped out the closest airport to Lake Tahoe.
By picking the right airline and neatly connecting the dots, your trip to Gatlinburg will be smoother than a mountain stream. Happy flying and safe journey!
Also read 5 Best Ways to Travel from San Francisco to Redwood National Park: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning Your Travel
Booking Recommendations
When you’re mapping out a trip to Gatlinburg, TN, getting a jump on booking your flights can really make life easier. According to Our Adventure Is Everywhere, we recommend locking those flights at least three to four weeks ahead for any domestic jaunt. If you’re aiming for summer or certain big holidays, it’s wise to snag them even earlier so you’re not shelling out extra dough.
Flying mid-week, say Tuesday or Wednesday, can throw some savings your way since flights are usually cheaper compared to the weekend rush. Major airlines such as Delta, American, United, Allegiant, and Frontier all have McGhee Tyson Airport on their routes, which gives us plenty of options for our Gatlinburg escapade.
Cost-Effective Travel Tips
Saving those hard-earned dollars on your Gatlinburg getaway is simpler than you might think. Check out these ways to keep things easy on the wallet:
- Flexible Dates: Shuffling your dates around can unearth some sweet deals. Use those fare comparison tools, and set up alerts to pounce when prices drop.
- Fly into Alternative Airports: Sure, McGhee Tyson is the nearest, but don’t overlook Asheville Regional or Tri-Cities Airports. They might be roughly 90 to 100 miles out but could offer quieter and possibly cheaper fares (Our Adventure Is Everywhere).
- Mid-Week Travel: As we mentioned, flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays can stretch your dollar further.
- Rental Car Deals: Renting a car is usually the best bet for zipping from McGhee Tyson Airport to Gatlinburg. The airport welcomes big names like Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, and Budget. Book early and keep an eye out for discounts or bundles with rental cars (Our Adventure Is Everywhere).
- Shuttle and Ride-Sharing Services: For those skipping the car rental, shuttles, taxis, or apps like Uber and Lyft have you covered at the airport. Just compare the costs first to see what suits you best (Our Adventure Is Everywhere).
Here’s a quick look at what you might shell out for various airport rides.
| Transportation Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Rental Car | $50 – $100 per day |
| Shuttle Service | $45 – $60 one-way |
| Uber/Lyft | $40 – $70 one-way |
| Taxi | $70 – $90 one-way |
By following these tips, we’re setting ourselves up for an easy and on-budget adventure to Gatlinburg. If you’re planning to explore other national parks, check out the closest airport to Redwood National Park, closest airport to Lake Tahoe, or see what’s near Glacier National Park.
Getting to Gatlinburg
Travel Routes
Alrighty then, planning a road trip to Gatlinburg? Let’s make it a piece of cake with some handy travel routes so you can roll into town easy-peasy. Smack dab in Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a hop, skip, and a jump from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) out of Knoxville. It’s your closest gateway with wings. Here’s the lowdown on how to get your wheels to this mountain wonderland from McGhee Tyson and a couple of other nearby airports.
From McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS):
Hop on I-40 East from Knoxville in the direction of Pigeon Forge/Sevierville. Then switch to TN-321/US-441 to roll into Gatlinburg. Smooth sailing, I’d say. You might even catch a glimpse of the Great Smokies along the way.
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| I-40 E to TN-321/US-441 | 45 | 60 |
| I-40 E to US-441 S | 43 | 55 |
From Asheville Regional Airport (AVL):
If North Carolina’s more your groove, Asheville Regional Airport is your launchpad, putting you just shy of a couple of hours from Gatlinburg.
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| I-26 W to I-40 W | 93 | 100 |
From Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA):
Feeling more eastern Tennessee? Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is a tidy two-hour trek to Gatlinburg.
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| I-75 N to I-40 E | 153 | 120 |
Driving Directions
Now for the last few miles of your grand adventure—don’t worry, we’ll guide ya.
From McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS):
- Kick things off by heading north on Alcoa Hwy/US-129.
- Jump onto I-40 E exit toward Asheville.
- Coast along I-40 E for about 25 miles.
- Nab exit 407 for Winfield Dunn Pkwy/TN-66 S heading towards Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
- Keep going south on TN-66 S, morphing into US-441 S.
- Ride on US-441 S, and presto, you’re in Gatlinburg.
From Asheville Regional Airport (AVL):
- Set off north on Airport Rd towards I-26 W.
- Slide onto I-26 W, sticking it out for about 9 miles.
- Snag exit 31A to blend into I-40 W toward Knoxville.
- Cruise on I-40 W for roughly 92 miles.
- Grip exit 407 for Winfield Dunn Pkwy/TN-66 S towards Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
- Continue cruising south as TN-66 S changes into US-441 S.
- Stick on US-441 S until you roll into Gatlinburg.
For more route maps and transportation tips to make your Gatlinburg adventure smooth as Tennessee whiskey, check out our sections on ground transportation and rental cars for ace travel plans.
Check your flight options at great rates at Expedia by clicking here
Alternative Airport Choices
Near Gatlinburg Options
Sure, McGhee Tyson Airport is a hit for Gatlinburg trips, but it’s not the only poker chip on the table. Here’s a roll call of other airports you might wanna scope out:
| Airport | Distance to Gatlinburg | Travel Time | Major Airlines Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) | ~90 miles | ~2 hours | Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines, United |
| Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) | ~100 miles | ~2 hours | Allegiant, American, Delta |
| Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) | ~123 miles | ~2.5 hours | American, Delta, Southwest, United |
| Nashville International Airport (BNA) | ~220 miles | ~4 hours | Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United |
Things to Think About
Picking an airport to land you closer to Gatlinburg ain’t rocket science, but here’s a few things ya might wanna mull over:
- Proximity to Gatlinburg:
- Asheville Regional Airport is sittin’ around 90 miles from Gatlinburg. A couple of hours drive and you’re there – a journey that’ll give your playlist some airtime.
- Tri-Cities Airport is tagging along at about 100 miles from the town. Also a two-hour ride away, it’s a good option if Asheville just ain’t doing it for ya.
- Flight Options:
- If you’re a bargain hunter, Nashville International Airport might be your golden ticket with more flights. But brace yourself, it’s a hefty four-hour drive back to Gatlinburg.
- Sometimes less is more. Smaller airports like Asheville and Tri-Cities might not offer a buffet of flight choices, but they do promise a bit of peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle you’re ditching.
- Ground Transportation:
- Who’s getting you from A to B? We’re talking rental cars, shuttles, or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft. Look into the cost and availability before you find yourself stranded.
- Example? Asheville Regional has got you covered. They’ve got rental wheels and shuttle vibes to get you sorted for the leg down to Gatlinburg.
- Amenities and Services:
- Big airports mean big facilities – think food courts, lounges, and shops. But hey, if chill is what you seek, smaller joints like Tri-Cities offer a smoother sailing, even if you skip the shopping spree.
- Travel Routes and Time:
- Get out your calculators! No, really though – crunch those numbers on total travel time. Check your flight duration, the road trip to Gatlinburg. Balance the airport’s closeness against the flights lined up to see what best fits your clock.
For more tips to keep your wallet happy while globetrotting, have a peek at our cost-effective travel tips. If Gatlinburg isn’t your only adventure, there’s more reading material with our articles on the closest airport to Redwood National Park and closest airport to Glacier National Park. Catch those wanderlust feels!
